The Marty Grebb Benefit Concert (Part Two)

SET LIST:  

Several people who missed the show (and some who were there!) wrote in asking about the set list ... this next email provides the perfect opportunity to review it ...  

Hi! Love this blog and figured this would be THE place to get the answers!

Looking for help completing the musical set lists from the Marty Grebb tribute concert in St. Charles the other night ... especially in Marty's set!  Everyone have a look at this and see if you can help eliminate the ???s with titles and personnel. Thanks in advance for your help, and thanks for a terrific blog!

LibraMusica  

They changed things up a little here and there from the original song schedule I was given ... but here is what I've been able to piece together (with a few isolated comments here and there) 

Hosts:  Comedian Tim Walkoe, River DJs Scott MacKay and Danielle Tufano, and the legendary Dick Biondi (who just last week celebrated 55 YEARS since he first signed on to Chicago radio back in 1960 with WLS!!!)

 L-R: Dennis Tufano, Dick Biondi, Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna 

(photo courtesy Jack Mongan Photography, copyright 2015)

RONNIE RICE

I'm Ready

Shake Rattle and Roll

I Will Always Think About You

Things I'd Like To Say

ALWAYS a great way to break the ice, Ronnie had some fun with the audience and then gave them the two biggest hits recorded by The New Colony Six, both of which he wrote and sang back in 1968 / 1969.

 Ronnie Rice (photos courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography, copyright 2015)

THE CRYAN' SHAMES

If I Needed Someone

Up on the Roof  (Great version of a great song ... Tom Doody made his way through the audience during this one and those trademark Shames harmony were out in full force)

It Could Be We're In Love

Sugar and Spice

A GREAT set of music from one of my all-time favorites.  (By the way, lookin' sharp, Jimmy ... I like the whole beard thing!  We didn't get a chance to talk after the show ... but my wife caught one of the Cryan' Shames beach balls!!!)

 Original Cryan' Shames members Jim Pilster and Tom Doody

(all photos courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography, copyright 2015)

 

THE SHADOWS OF KNIGHT

Oh Yeah

Shake

Got My Mojo Workin'  (Jimy Sohns was cookin' that night ... and this one, which also featured Dennis Tufano on harmonica, definitely rocked the house!)

Gloria  (As Jimy called it, "Rock And Roll's National Anthem")

 Jimy Sohns, in top form Thursday Night  (photo courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography, copyright 2015)

TRIO with Danny Seraphine, Hawk Wolinski, and Al DeCarlo

Stagger Lee

Johnny B. Goode

Probably the question I got asked the most during Thursday Night's performance was "Who was that guy on guitar playing with Hawk Wolinski and Danny Seraphine?"

Well, it was Al DeCarlo, who also handled the lead vocals on "Stagger Lee".

Their second song ... as far as I could tell, it was just a blues jam / instrumental.  (The original set list called for them to do "Johnny B. Goode" ... and I was quite convinced that it definitely wasn't that!!!  But apparently it WAS "Johnny B. Goode".  We received an email later telling us that:

This was a mini-Madura reunion ... and the arrangement was the same as the one used on the first Madura album...which, unless one is really listening to the lyrics, is pretty radically different than the Chuck Berry!

LibraMusica

Had I HEARD any lyrics, I might have picked up on that ... but to my ears, this was a straight blues instrumental ... so clearly I was missing something!  (lol)  Thanks for straightening this one out for us!  (kk)

Al DeCarlo and Hawk Wolinski

(photos courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography and copyright 2015)

SCOTT MAY AND HIS ONE-ARMED ORCHESTRA

Cool Baby

Without question, one of the high points of the evening.  Scott's tribute to Marty's Fabulous Rhinestones days (with a very touching story about how Marty reworked Scott's original "demo" tape and sent it back with full vocals and instrumentation ... ALL provided by the incredible Marty Grebb.)  You can hear him tell the whole story in the clip below.

May was especially pleased to point out the fact that his band that night featured Marty Grebb as well as Dennis Tufano and Tom Doody on background vocals.  A VERY pleasant surprise to be sure ... and a great performance.  We loved it!

Scott May, courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography - copyright 2015

THE IDES OF MARCH

L.A. Goodbye

Eye of the Tiger

Vehicle

They pretty much HAD to schedule the intermission after this one!  NOBODY was going to top The Ides for pure power and electricity that night ... (until four 1967 Buckinghams took the stage together for the first time in over 45 years!!!) ... and they delivered in fine form.  You could tell Peterik was having a blast up there ... I am SO glad that he was able to rearrange his schedule to appear.  (Check out his comments above ... HE was glad, too!!!)

(All photos courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography, copyright 2015)

INTERMISSION

THE MARTY GREBB ALL STARS

Take It Easy

50 / 50

Come Rain or Come Shine

For What It's Worth

Latin Medley

Man, Marty can do it all ... and he certainly proved it during this set.  "Take It Easy" is a song he says he wrote especially for this concert ... a state of his current affairs, if you will ... and it's absolutely BEAUTIFUL.  (We had hoped to share a copy with our readers today but Marty tells me he has yet to record the song ... and now plans to do so with Danny Seraphine on drums!)  And "Come Rain Or Come Shine", delivered as soulfully as Ray Charles ever did it, paid tribute to those who have left us from the Chicago Rock families performing that night.  If Marty is ailing at all, it sure didn't show Thursday night ... he was in top form throughout the evening, jumping from guitar to sax to piano to organ ... and his vocals were stirring and spot on.

(Photos courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography, copyright 2015)

THE CHICAGO EXPERIENCE

Dialogue

Questions 67 and 68

Make Me Smile

Colour My World

Incredible ... a MUST SEE act if you get the chance this summer.  (We posted a link to their itinerary on yesterday's page ... scroll back to see where these guys are playing this summer ... we'll probably see you at one of their shows!)  They have TOTALLY nailed the Chicago sound ... killer lead vocals by Brian Hemstock and Adam Briel ... scorching guitar by Ron Brandt ... and a horn section that rivals Chicago's very own.  How great were they?  The night of this performance I turned to my wife and said "I have NEVER seen Chicago perform "Dialogue" as well as these guys just did here tonight."  And I mean that ... and I've seen Chicago live at least a dozen times.  Absolutely amazing.

(photos copyright 2015, courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography)

THE BUCKINGHAMS

Back in Love Again

You Misunderstand Me

Don't You Care

Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)

Expressway to Your Heart

Mercy Mercy Mercy

Susan

Kind of a Drag

The moment of magic ... FOUR of Chicago's best-known Buckinghams on stage together performing their hits again for the first time in 45+ years.  "Back In Love Again" (written by Marty) was the PERFECT opening song ... and has always been one of my all-time overlooked favorites.  You rarely hear this one on the radio ... or performed live ... so this was an especially sweet treat to kick off their set.  Carl and Dennis were BOTH in excellent voice that night ... and you could just tell they were having the times of their lives playing these tunes together again.  "Don't You Care" was excellent ... and Dennis and Marty swapped out their vocal parts from the original recording, allowing Marty to take the lead this time with Dennis doing most of the filler.  And "Susan" (sung by Carl Giammarese) is still my all-time favorite Buckinghams song.  (I just wish SOMEBODY would figure out what to do with that Jim Guercio-produced psychedelic interlude!!!  During the rehearsal, Marty explained that they were going to De-Guerc it for the live show.  I'm one of those rare few, I guess, who actually PREFERS the Guercio single mix over what sounds to me like a chopped-off, quick-edit version that plays on the radio quite often today.) 

 

 

 

(All Buckinghams photos courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography, copyright 2015)

Man, what a night ... Electric doesn't even BEGIN to describe it.  A once-in-a-lifetime event that had to be experienced.  (Folks are STILL buzzing for the past two days about how they've got to do this again next year ... honestly, I don't think that's likely to happen ... which makes Thursday Night's show all that much more precious and exciting.) kk 

ENCORE with ALL

I Go Crazy

(photo courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography, copyright 2015)

Here are a couple more clips from last Thursday Night's concert ...

For anyone out there who wants to make a donation to Marty, please go to www.sweetrelief.org and look up artist Marty Grebb.

Or, to donate by check, make the check out to The Marty Grebb Fund at Sweet Relief and mail it to:

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

2601 East Chapman Avenue, Suite 204

Fullerton, CA 92831

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity.  Federal ID #95-4443269

Thanks for your awesome coverage of the Marty Grebb Benefit Concert!  

I can’t imagine not being part of this heartwarming, magical, musical  event!!    

Would you please mention on your blog that we have a limited amount of “Official Concert Posters” as well as Buckinghams Photos (autographed by The Buckinghams at the concert) that will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go to the Marty Grebb Sweet Relief Fund. 
I will post the details  within a day of two on the Official Concert website: http://www.concertformartygrebb.com/about-us.html   

As well as on The Official Concert Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-MUSIC-60S-STYLE-A-Concert-For-Marty-Grebb/429503770521546   

Thanks Again!  
Pam Dixon

One of the perks of doing a show like this is that you get to meet a lot of really cool people whose passion for this sort of thing runs as high as mine does.  One such person I met was Jack Mongan,a Chicago-based freelance photojournalist, who provided the majority of photos used during our entire Marty Grebb series, spread out over the past three weeks.

Shooting a concert like this has to be a welcome change of pace for a guy like Jack, who otherwise is just as likely to be photographing a murder scene or breaking news story!
He tells us ...

I met Dennis Tufano many years ago in LA when I was an associate producer on a show called Remington Steele. Growing up in Chicago in the 60s, The Buckinghams were my favorite group. They were our Beatles. The Shadows of Knight, our Stones. It was a great time for Rock and Roll in Chicago and, the country.
Dennis was acting and doing voice over work and when the woman who ran the Loop group I used in post production told me he was in her group, I said, " That's it ... He works every session he can or, you don't ..."
Despite all of this, I had never seen the Buckinghams. Last week was the first time! Definitely worth the wait .
Dennis and I reconnected on Facebook and, when he saw some of my work, he said he'd like me to shoot the concert.
This has to be the high point of my photographic career and I am honored to have been even a small part of such an iconic event. I will be forever grateful to Marty and Dennis for the opportunity.
Jack Mongan

AND ... SPEAKING OF SUSAN ... 

Forgotten Hits Reader Clark Besch (who's also written the liner notes for a brand new Buckinghams "Complete Singles" release coming out this summer) asks ... 

Can you do a Helping Our Readers poll for me? 

I would like to know how many out there like the "Susan" Buckinghams song with the edit or without the edit of sound effects?  I actually had the DJ version of both when the song came out and preferred the long version, whether it made sense of not.  I seem to be the only one who likes it that way.  Also, how many people ever heard the short version on the radio when it was a hit?  I NEVER heard the edited version at the time, even tho I have an aircheck with it being played on KYNO in California at the time.  Anyone remember hearing the short version?  I KNOW WLS played the full length, because I have it taped off them.  Does Shelley Tufano remember or have any comments about the edit version vs. long version?

Clark Besch  

For the record, Shelley Tufano is no relation to Dennis Tufano, lead singer of The Buckinghams during the hit years.

I have ALWAYS preferred the psychedelic interlude ... A) Because it's how I first heard and best remember the song ... and B) The edited version is such a short, sharp edit that it doesn't sound right ... the song needed SOMETHING to bridge the two parts.  Maybe the psychedelic interlude wasn't the BEST choice (although it certainly was "of the time") ... and I know the guys were shocked and hated it when they first heard it ... but I've come to appreciate it as a "Sound of '67".

I can say that growing up here in Chicago, we ONLY heard the full-length version.  In fact, I don't think I heard the "chopped edit" version until the mid-'80's ... and my immediate reaction was "What the hell was THAT?!?!?"

Happy to open the polls on this one ... what say you, Forgotten Hits readers???  (kk)

 
 

The Benefit Concert For Marty Grebb

You've got us on pins and needles!

We've been waiting to hear all about Thursday's Chicago Rock Benefit Concert!When do you plan on running a review, photos, and videos of this historic event? 

It must have been an incredible night!
Tom Cuddy

It was ... and coverage starts today in Forgotten Hits! 
 

THE BENEFIT CONCERT 

FOR MARTY GREBB

 

 All photos courtesy of Jack Mongan Photography for  

exclusive use in Forgotten Hits and Copyright 2015

Let's just say that we kept our word ...  

>>>I don't care WHEN you've seen The Buckinghams ... WHERE you've seen The Buckinghams ... or in what CONFIGURATION you've seen The Buckinghams ... you have NEVER seen The Buckinghams look and sound like this!!!  (kk)   

Here is some feedback from some of the fans (and musicians) who were there that night ...   

First up, Ron Onesti, who donated the use of his Arcada Theatre for the Marty Grebb Concert Fundraiser, sent this note out to all of the participants after the concert ended  Thursday Night ... and I just HAD to share it with you ...  

OH MY GOD!  What an honor to be a part of this project! Thank you all so much for honoring the Arcada with your presence!  You are all Hall of Famers, true legends, true talents, and true friends!  
Ron, I am SO proud to know you and of all you've done to help keep this great music alive ... and even prouder that you consider me to be your friend and part of The Arcada Family.  You've got one of the biggest hearts in the biz ... and it is always an honor to work with you. 
Happy Birthday ... Happy Anniversary ... and Thanks Again for all that you do.  (kk)

Y'know, back "in the day," these bands would even play high school dances!!  EVEN IN KANSAS!!!  With THE WHO as opening act, the feature band Buckinghams were the main event at KC's Shawnee Mission South High School auditorium dance in November, 1967.  Judging by Jimy Sohns comments today in FH, I assume the Kansas girls were all named "Susan" as the band's current hit was such too!  'HEY, Tufano, get away from my locker!"  
Clark Besch  
http://www.ritland-concert-photos.com/Who/who.html

Steve Krakow of The Chicago Reader ran a neat little piece on Marty Grebb last week ... and gave us permission to include it today in Forgotten Hits ...

Check out Steve's website here:  http://www.plasticcrimewave.com/   

Hi Kent -  
Hope Marty Grebb's Concert will be available on DVD.  A great keepsake and more money to cover his medical bills.  Looking forward to the reviews!!  

Carolyn  
We will keep you posted ... based on all the outpouring of love that we've seen since Thursday Night, I think there's a pretty good chance that all of the participating artists will agree to have this dvd made available to the public ... heck, they probably want it for their own personal video libraries, too!!!  (kk)  

kk, 
I wish I could be there to help support this wonderful party for Marty. I think it's a wonderful gesture and a class act for all of these incredible entertainers and behind the scenes folks to take time from their hectic schedules to help one of their own. And, my friend, you deserve a LOT of credit for helping put this tribute and benefit together.  You are INDEED a Class act. May the night be a HUGE success, and may Marty get all the things he needs to get him back on the road to good health, and may his financial burdens be eased.  It just goes to show you that through all the terrible things happening in this world and in our country, that when good people are in need there's great humanity in all of us! 
Good luck tonight, God Bless, and Marty ... KEEP FIGHTING!!  
Pete Garrison ... aka peteysmoke   

Last night's show was a once in a lifetime opportunity that Lucy and I would not have been able to experience without your help.  Our seats were last row, center balcony, and they were the best seats in the house.  In fact, Tom Doody of The Cryan' Shames came right up to us as we were sitting in our seats and shook our hands during the intermission and thanked us for coming to the show.  It was great to see all of those bands playing together at one time.  To see Danny Seraphine playing drums for The Buckinghams was fantastic!  I'm a huge Chicago fan anyway and to hear their songs live was spectacular.  We would have paid three times that much to see that show. 
So thanks again for all of your help ... I encourage you to continue with your Forgotten Hits work and keep sending me the emails.  
Best regards and hope to see you next time - 
Drew 
It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, not to be missed, so I'm glad you were able to see it (last minute as it was!!!  lol)  The place was jammed (complete sell out) and EVERYBODY went home satisfied ... what a GREAT night of music! 
And special props to The Chicago Experience ... I caught them at the rehearsal and they blew me away ... sounded even better live on stage.  We are DEFINITELY going to see them again.  (You can, too ... here's a link to their website and upcoming appearances): http://thechicagoexperience.com/   
If you live here locally, you are going to want to check these guys out for sure!  (kk)

I am truly grateful to have been part of this wonderful event for Marty. You guys shaped a generation with your music. Timeless songs, great melodies, meaningful lyrics. You influenced me as a musician. To actually be a part of this is humbling. 

God bless,
Steve Frost   

Hi Everyone! 
First of all, I would like to thank everyone responsible for including me in this magical event!!! It was so overwhelming to see so much Love and Talent. Marty is an incredible person and musician and I finally had the chance to not only to meet him but perform with him! I'm still pinching myself! LOL
Marty, I love ya brother!!!
Thank you all for giving your all to make this event successful. It was History in the making!
Dave Zane  

Hello everyone, 
That magic night was a true blessing for all present and allowed both audience and players to experience  one of the true joys that life has to offer. 
When we share our power of being loving and compassionate human beings, we bless each other and make the world a better place to live for every being on the planet. 
That is the gift that Marty gave to us. 
Much love and muchos kudos to Chris for pulling us all together.  
Peace ad Ache!! (Gods's grace) to all, 
Rubén P. Alvarez

Hello guys!!!   
Let me say that being the only one on the stage that's not from Chicago (I live here now), I'm truly honored to take a small part in this legendary show.  I'm a fan of everyone that was on that stage and a fan of Chicago music.  Mary Grebb is one very talented individual ... I hope the night was a success for him.  Loads of talent on that stage.  Thank you all for letting me be a part of it!! 
Billy Sullivan

I, too, would like to express my thanks to everyone who went over the top to make this happen. It was a day we'll never forget. Marty, as you can see by the outpouring of efforts ... You are LOVED!

God Bless ...

Paul Wood

Cryan' Shames

The Chicago Experience   

Hi All,  
Mike and I just want to  say what an honor it was to be able to participate in such a great show for such a great cause.  First of all, Marty is a unbelievable talent and hopefully will be with us to keep giving us his music and to be able to share the stage with musicians that we have admired for so long.  Thanks for letting us share the experience. 
Cindy and Mike Gotshall   
Shadows of Knight

Dear Kent;
This is one of those nights where - body and soul - you just felt the magic. Your zest for the music that made the 60's so remarkable seems to ooze through your every pore.
You sorely wanted to turn back the hands, but you stopped, paused and recognized that the list of iconic Chicago rock Gods, gathered on one stage, provided a renewed hope that the music we sang and danced to at the Cellar, The New Place and the Wild Goose (Jeez, did Dex Card really know just how many "Goose" establishments he actually operated?) will somehow reemerge with a young band that will lay the blueprint for rock's next great chapter.
Till then, I will sit in amazement at what I saw this past Thursday at Ron Onesti's venerable Arcada Theater. The Arcada has hosted so many memorable shows during the "Onesti Era", but this given night was a night I truly wished all our F.H. buddies could have been in the house.
There was the engaging passion of a happy -go-lucky Ronnie Rice and the kick-ass funk of Jimmy Sohns, Chicago's original rock 'n roll bad boy.  Jimmy Peterik, a vision in purple (coiffure, glasses and jacket), and his Ides of March teammates made you recognize, once again, that "L.A. Goodbye" remains one of rock 'n roll's most under appreciated tunes.  Chicago's famous, fabulous Buckinghams tossed egos aside as they played with spirit and heart in honor of their drummer Mart Grebb.  Former Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine illustrated once again why he was the fulcrum that delivered a sound for an enduring band that remarkably has never been given a ticket to the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame.  The beloved Dick Biondi, 85 going on 15, made mention of the tragic omission of Chicago by the east coast elitists who have for years refused to recognize the vitality of the Midwest's multi-layered sounds.  There was horn section that burned rubber.  But, to be frank, here’s what really grabbed my heart and soul as I sat with my gal-pal Joanne just off stage.
I saw no jealousy, heard no snide remarks. I saw guys who've known each other nearly 50 years  cheering like the devil for each other. The sense of camaraderie was heartfelt and, quite frankly, amazing. The existing vibe was, "We're all in this together!"  Kudos to Denny Tufano and Ronnie O. for their yeoman work in putting this remarkable show together.  Ron, a guy who brings new meaning to the word "kindness", gave up his building to provide a fitting venue for this once-in-a lifetime show with proceeds earmarked to help the ailing Grebb deal with his ongoing physical ailments.  Perhaps, we will see this show again. Perhaps, it was meant to be a one night offering so delicious, so delectable that to try a repeat might somehow seem flawed.
Kent, I hope I've driven home the point. For a lifelong rock 'n roller who will never forget his days as "roadie" with the New Colony Six this was a slice of musical brilliance. An evening so ethereal, so magnetic, that if I live to be 90 the memory will still be colorfully vivid.  Jimmy Sohns, nailed it as he closed out "Gloria", when he barked in almost primal fashion about his trademark number, "I've been screaming it all my life … I been screamin' it everywhere."
Jimmy, keep on screamin' …. cuz, we're still digging you and all the rock 'n' roll royalty that gathered under one given roof for one night of indelible memories.
Chet Coppock:
Author: "Buffone: Monster of the Midway". Due in book stores July 25   

After much anticipation and hype, I am happy to say the Marty Grebb benefit concert last Thursday night at the Arcada Theatre, lived up to every bit of it and then some.   There was electricity in the air when we arrived early for what would be a once in a lifetime night for all.  The house was packed and we all settled in for a quick set by Ronnie Rice, lead singer of New Colony Six.  He got the party going and it never stopped.  When will we ever see these great Chicago icons in one room again:  the Cryan Shames, Ides of March, Jimy Sohns of the Shadows of Knight, and of course the Buckinghams.  Also, what a treat to have Danny Seraphine, formerly of the band Chicago, playing drums all night!   When he joined the Chicago Experience on Make Me Smile, with Marty Grebb on lead vocal, it was one of the highlights of the evening.  But there were many other highlights.  The Ides of March and Jim Peterik never sounded better.  The Cryan Shames harmonized on their greatest hits.  It was just one great moment after another, leading up to the group that everyone was waiting for.  Even Dick Biondi couldn't wait, so he introduced the Buckinghams an hour too early.  Oh well!  You gotta love him.  
How awesome to see the all the Buckinghams together again.  You could feel the love and excitement in the air.  I am a huge fan of Dennis Tufano and the enthusiasm and passion he brought to the show Thursday night was unmatched.  He was the driving force and organizer of the show and he orchestrated many emotional and heartwarming moments, the main being when he and Marty sang Mercy Mercy Mercy together at the organ.  The crowd was in tears.  
I first saw the Buckinghams at local sock hops on the northwest side of Chicago back in the 60s.  I don't think there are too many times in life that you get to recreate moments 45 years later.  Thursday night was one of those moments for me and it was surreal and wonderful.
I was happy to see first-hand the talent of Marty Grebb.  Amazing! 
The concert went on for nearly four hours, and I don't think anyone in the house wanted it to end.  No one was leaving and that says quite a bit since most of the crowd was easily over 60 and it was a Thursday night after all! 
On my drive home down North Avenue, I got another "moment".  Driving alongside me was none other than Ronnie Rice!  We rolled down our windows and gave a thumbs up to signal the end of a magical night! 
Janet 
LOL ... I caught up with Ronnie in the parking lot, too!  EVERYBODY had a great time ... fans and musicians alike, as witnessed by the incredible testimonials listed below.  A night to remember for a long, long time to come. (kk) 

THANK YOU ALL ... each and every one of you that made this event utterly awesome and successful!!!  Early on in our formative years, all of us were competitive as we carved our way into Rock and Roll history ... .I now feel that we have come full circle! The amount of energy and LOVE coming off the stage last Thursday was truly amazing.
On behalf of the Shadows, Hawk, Billy Sullivan and that crazy good harp player Dennis Tufano, we want say how proud we are to have been in yet another moment of CHICAGO rock and roll history. 
Rock on Chicago ... Rock on Marty! 
Jimy Sohns

Yes, I agree,  it was an awesome night! Dennis and Chris did a wonderful job putting all that together, and they deserve much appreciation for their hard work.  It's no easy task to pull all that togethe,r but they did it!  Thank you, Ron Onesti, and all the great talent that came together to make this happen. Chicago produced some unbelievable talent back in the day, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I have to mention we have the most loyal and best fans in the world ... we couldn’t do it without their support. Everybody was so giving and made it a special evening for all!

God bless Marty ... we pray we can experience his exceptional talent for many years to come. 
Carl Giammarese

Hi Team Marty!   Awesome night! 
I had the time of my life hanging out with everyone and reliving old and dear times.   
Thanks especially to Dennis and Chris for having the vision and stamina to take this all the way.  
And, of course, to Ron Onesti and his team for his generosity of spirit.  
Everyone's performance was crazy good. We proved we still got it!  Lol! 
Marty, you're awesome.   
On behalf of myself and the Ides of March, thank you!!   Warm regards. 
Jim Peterik
Keep Rocking!

The Power and Courage of Marty Grebb is an inspiration for us all.
I will remember this night forever. Humbled beyond words that I was able to stand, let alone perform on the same stage with the Artists who have left (and continue to leave) blessed and indelible marks on my heart and soul.
If there is any doubt that Music - Our music - The music of our city - is the supreme healing and nourishing energy, that surpasses disease, mends fences, encourages charity and goodwill and just plain makes it all better …
Your performances vanquish that doubt.
Long may you live, Marty!
And to you all: Bravo. BRAVISSIMO!!
Peace and Love,
Scott May

We all outdid ourselves ... our music never sounded so good as it did the other night. The positive energy of us all working in the same direction for Marty, for ourselves, to make the world a little bit better ... It was music for a higher cause. 

To witness the Buckinghams come together for the first time in 45 years, putting all their differences to the side to perform as one again ... I know that wasn't easy, so hats off to you guys.

It was inspiring and a joy to play and be a part of it.  It couldn't have been better. 

As for Ron and the Oshows crew ... great job!!!! Ron, you are a gift to all of us artists. You treat us with dignity and respect. Your support crew are just as special.  The biz needs more Ron Onestis. The music industry would be so much the better for it. BTW, the sound the other night was great, I had so many comments of how good the mix was. Great job, Rich and sound crew.
Peace,

Danny (Seraphine)   

My cup runneth over!  How much beauty and eloquence created by all!!!!

Love,

Marty  

Tomorrow in Forgotten Hits ...

The complete concert set list along with some more great photos ... stay tuned!!!

(from the grand finale ... L-R:  Dennis Tufano, Ronnie Rice, Jimy Sohns, Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna ... three Bucks, a Shadow and a 6er ... all up on stage together for the evening's final song "I Go Crazy", a 1966 Buckinghams hit originally done by James Brown)  Photo Copyright 2015 Jack Mongan Photography for exclusive use in Forgotten Hits

Video of this event ...
(The entire concert was video taped ... but so far this is the only clip to have surfaced on YouTube)  Enjoy!

50 Year Flashback - May 11th, 1965

Here's a Canadian Chart from this week in 1965.

You'll find The Top 40 content to be very similar to what we've been experiencing thus far by way of our domestic charts ... 

Once again, it's the Chubby Checker recording of "Do The Freddie" that's charting here.  (This is a TOTALLY different song than the Freddie and the Dreamers single, the one that Freddie Garrity actually danced to when they performed it live on The Ed Sullivan Show).  Chubby (maybe perceived to be the more established, familiar or popular artist at the time) sits at #17 this week with his version.

The Seekers top the chart with "I'll Never Find Another You", up from #5 the week before.

Ronnie Dove's in The Top Three with "One Kiss For Old Time's Sake" ... and it would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to overlook the track that sits at #40!

Big movers include The Beach Boys (up from #19 to #6 with their latest, "Help Me Rhonda" and Peter and Gordon.  (Their version of the Buddy Holly tune "True Love Ways" climbs fifteen places from #26 to #11.)

Top debuts belong to Elvis Presley ("Crying In The Chapel"), BOTH versions of "Concrete And Clay" (by Unit 4 + 2 and Eddie Rambeau) and Canada's own Guess Who with "Shakin' All Over".  (Elvis virtually replaced himself on the chart this week ... the week before "Do The Clam" was the #24 hit ... it fell ten places this week ... and this week "Crying In The Chapel" premiers at #25!)

Roger Miller's "Engine Engine Number Nine" is CHYM's Pick Hit To Climb ... we recently featured it as the week's "Hillbilly Hit" on another chart!

 

(C'mon ... how could I NOT?!?!?!)